Look at these gorgeous vessels by New York based artist Doug Johnston! For this collection Johnston utilize an old crafting technique in which rope or cord is coiled and stitched to forms bowls and baskets. The technique is itself based on the ancient method of making ceramic coiled pots as well as coiled basketry. The method explores ways of transforming a linear material into three-dimensional objects, an interest I have also studied in other materials such as yarn or plastic tubing. The process has its own limitations, largely determined by the sewing machine, and each piece takes on deformations and glitches that give it unique personality.
The studies use the raw 100% cotton braided cord, often called sash cord, and colored sewing thread. They are individually sewn on an industrial zig-zag sewing machine without the use of forms or molds.
